Steel or even pasta straws? Cotton swabs made of bamboo? Within a number of years this will be a matter of course within the EU. The European Commission made a proposal for restriction of the use of single use plastics.
Perhaps you have already heard about it: Starbucks and McDonalds and also IKEA indicated that they want to ban single use plastics. Shortly you will no longer receive a plastic straw with your milkshake or iced latte and two years from now the plastic dishes and cutlery at IKEA will have been replaced by a sustainable alternative.
Reason for these statements is the proposal of the European Commission for a Directive on reduction of the effects of certain plastic products on the environment. This way Europe intends to curb the litter in oceans and seas. The measures are applicable to the 10 most frequently observed plastic products for single use. They jointly represent 43% of all the stranded litter that is found on European beaches.
Are you a producer or importer of single use plastics? Then there are three measures that you should particularly take into account:
- Prohibition on trade;
- Expansion of producer’s responsibility;
- Marking rules.
Prohibition on trade
A prohibition is implemented for single use plastics for which a sustainable, affordable alternative is available. This prohibition applies to plastic straws, cotton swabs, cutlery, dishes, stirrers and balloon sticks.
Beverage packaging for single use can only be marketed if the plastic caps and covers are attached to the cups or bottles.
Expansion of producer’s responsibility
Producers must contribute to the costs of waste prevention and management. This applies to producers of, inter alia, plastic food containers, packages and wraps, beverage packaging and cups, moist tissues and balloons.
Marking rules
Mandatory marking rules are applicable to hygiene products and moist tissues with regard to information about the disposal, the negative environmental effects and the presence of plastic in the product.
Need support?
Do you want to know what the consequences of the new EU rules are for you and ensure that your products are compliant? Précon Quality Services can help you in analysing what is and what is not permissible and think along with you about sustainable alternatives. Contact us without obligation contact via +31 (0)30 – 65 66 010.
